Director Lee Jeong-rim emphasized that creating a convincing narrative capable of completely engaging audiences was the primary focus while directing Netflix's upcoming thriller series "As You Stood By." During a press conference held in Seoul on Wednesday, Lee explained that the show's success depends heavily on viewers understanding and connecting with the main characters' complex decisions.
"The two main characters make a series of decisions that require significant audience understanding, so I've focused intensely on presenting a convincing story," Lee stated during the media event. The director acknowledged that the subject matter itself presents challenges for viewers, as the plot centers around the difficult topic of domestic violence. However, she expressed confidence that once audiences become immersed in the characters' circumstances, they will engage with genuine curiosity about how the events unfold.
The eight-episode series follows the intense journey of two friends, Eun-su, portrayed by Jeon So-nee, and Hui-su, played by Lee You-mi, as they make a life-changing decision in their desperate attempt to escape dire circumstances. Eun-su works at a luxury department store and discovers that her dear friend Hui-su, who was once a promising children's book writer, has become trapped in what can only be described as a hellish marriage. The revelation of Hui-su's nightmarish situation triggers painful memories of Eun-su's own childhood trauma, a situation that young Eun-su had neither the resources nor the courage to escape at the time.
Determined to take a stand against abuse this time around, Eun-su makes the shocking suggestion that she and Hui-su should join forces to kill Jin-pyo, played by Jang Seung-jo, who is Hui-su's menacing and abusive husband. Jeon So-nee explained her character's motivation during the press conference, saying, "Upon discovering the depths of Hui-su's suffering, Eun-su resolves to save her and suggest they kill Jin-pyo. She is not afraid to make tough decisions." The actress emphasized her commitment to making the characters' extreme choices feel authentic and convincing to audiences.
Lee You-mi provided insight into her character's emotional journey, describing Hui-su as someone who has been "rescued by her friend as she was about to give up on life." The actress explained that her primary focus throughout the production was ensuring that Hui-su would feel like a genuine, relatable person rather than just a fictional character. This attention to realistic character development appears to be a central theme throughout the entire production.
The supporting cast includes Lee Mu-saeng, who stars as So-baek, the enigmatic owner of Jinkang Store who discovers what the two women are plotting and quietly becomes their unlikely protector. Jang Seung-jo takes on the challenging dual roles of Jin-pyo, the abusive husband, and Jang-kang, a mysterious figure who becomes entangled in the women's dangerous circumstances. This dual casting adds another layer of complexity to the thriller's narrative structure.
The series is based on Japanese writer Hideo Okuda's 2014 novel "Naomi and Kanako," which was previously adapted as a Japanese drama series. Director Lee Jeong-rim revealed that she has long been a fan of the original work and had dreamed of bringing it to life as a Korean drama adaptation. The project represents a cross-cultural adaptation that maintains the essence of the original story while incorporating Korean cultural elements.
The production gained early recognition when its first two episodes premiered at the 30th Busan International Film Festival in the On Screen section on September 18. This festival screening provided an opportunity for industry professionals and film enthusiasts to get an early look at the highly anticipated series before its official release.
Director Lee emphasized the series' structure, noting that each episode ends with a cliffhanger designed to keep viewers hooked and eager for the next installment. She explained her approach to balancing entertainment value with meaningful content, stating, "I didn't want to lose the fun factor, but I also worked to include a message. I hope viewers appreciate our intentions." This balance between thriller elements and social commentary appears to be a key aspect of the show's appeal.
"As You Stood By" is scheduled for release on Friday, marking another addition to Netflix's growing catalog of Korean thriller content. The series promises to deliver both intense drama and thought-provoking themes while exploring the lengths people will go to protect those they care about.
